Shucet Wants Agency To Fight 'Culture Of Fear'

February 04, 2010|By Austin Bogues, abogues@dailypress.com 247-4536

NORFOLK — Philip A. Shucet, the new president and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit, said Wednesday that the agency needs to fight a "culture of fear" that developed as cost overruns plagued a Norfolk light-rail project.

Shucet, a former Virginia Department of Transportation commissioner, replaced former HRT chief Michael Townes on Monday. He met with members of the media Wednesday to discuss the future of HRT.

"Every corporation has a culture. I think there's been (a culture) here that hasn't lent itself to openness," Shucet said.

Later this month, Shucet is hoping to discern the final cost of the light-rail project. HRT board members estimated that it could be as much as $100 million over budget.

"Changing numbers and not communicating well is all driven by fear. The truth is nothing to be afraid of," Shucet said.

Shucet said his top priority is to get a hold of the rail project in order to restore public confidence in the agency.

Shucet is credited with helping turn around VDOT during his tenure at the department from 2002 to 2005 under then-Gov. Mark R. Warner. He instituted several reforms that helped the agency's on-time and on-budget performance. Shucet initiated "Project Dashboard," an online feature that allows the public to view the way VDOT spends money.

"I think I have a demonstrated track record in terms of openness and transparency," he said.

Shucet said he was hopeful light-rail could expand in the state, including on the Peninsula, but did not set any immediate goals for it. He said cities would have to take the lead with the effort.

Townes continues to work for HRT in a consultant role until September. Shucet made it clear that Townes was not involved any more with oversight of construction of the light-rail project. Shucet is contracted to be president of HRT for a year, and then the board has the option to extend the contract by six months.

He said he would do some restructuring "to make sure it's clear who's responsible for what functions."

Currently, the organization has five senior vice presidents and six vice presidents listed on its Web site.

"Clearly there was some dissatisfaction," Shucet said.

"This is the fourth time I've taken over a company that's been in distress. I've had a little practice in that."

But he said he was optimistic about the future of HRT, which has brought the state its first ever light-rail project.

"The best way this company will make good news is to do good work. That's it," Shucet said.